Your Nursing Career Starts at UNM!
Earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from New Mexico’s top-ranked nursing school.
UNM offers 5 flexible options to help you reach your goal of becoming a nurse.
Whether you’re starting straight out of high school, transferring schools, pursuing nursing as a second degree, or looking for a program close to home, there’s a path designed for you.
ANSWER YOUR CALLING. MAKE AN IMPACT.
Turn your passion for helping others into a profession. At UNM, you’ll be supported by one of the best BSN programs in the country.
Why UNM?
SCHOLARSHIPS
AVAILABLE
PART OF A LARGE HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM
UNIQUE CLINICAL EXPERIENCES
STATE-OF-THE-ART SIMULATION CENTER
Learn From Dedicated Faculty
Hear how UNM’s BSN program provides the mentorship and support that help students become well-prepared nurses.
Mitch Irvin, MSN, RN,
Lecturer II, Freshman Direct-Entry Director
“When Freshman Direct-Entry students begin with us, they are right out of high school. It's great to see how eager and ready to learn these students are and how adept they are at rising to the challenges of nursing school. I enjoy providing instruction and support to our FDE students.”
Kathy Dolan-Cox, MSN, RN, CNE
Lecturer II
“My passion is to make learning fun and challenging, so that my students can grow their nursing knowledge and abilities."
Health Sciences Albuquerque Campus
Health Sciences Rio Rancho Campus
5 Options With You in Mind
The Pre-Licensure BSN program is designed for students who do not have an RN license and will become a nurse for the first time.
Freshman Direct-Entry
Accelerated 2nd Degree
Health Sciences Albuquerque or Rio Rancho Campus
BSN Dual Degree
Option to stay close to home while completing your degree at your local community college or branch campus and co-enrolling with UNM to earn your BSN.
Option to apply in your sophomore year or as a transfer student to join the BSN program at either our Albuquerque or Rio Rancho campus.
Option designed for high school seniors who meet specific admission criteria and want a guaranteed spot in the BSN program at UNM’s Albuquerque campus.
Option for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree. This 16-month option builds on your prior education so you can become a nurse quickly.
Hear From Our Alumni
Hear how UNM College of Nursing programs guided students through challenges and prepared them for meaningful careers.
Ashley McMains, BSN, RN, Alum Albuquerque Campus
“The UNM College of Nursing is an amazing program that allows students to explore endless opportunities, like developing the skills needed to move forward as a nurse. I felt truly excited to be surrounded by peers that share the same goals, learning to do what we love most."
Maia Aguino, BSN, RN, Alum Health Sciences Rio Rancho Campus
“I loved how accessible resources were at the Rio Rancho campus and how supported I felt by staff and faculty while in the program.”
FAQs
What is the difference between Freshmen Direct-Entry and Pre-Licensure HSC-ABQ or HSC-Rio Rancho Campus Options?
In the BSN Pre-Licensure Freshman Direct-Entry option you will apply in your senior year of high school to the UNM College of Nursing. You will be a part of the College of Nursing while completing your nursing pre-requisites, and will be on the path to earn your BSN.
In the BSN Pre-Licensure HSC-Albuquerque or HSC-Rio Rancho options you will apply to the College of Nursing after completing all nursing pre-requisites. You will begin nursing courses, in-person, at UNM HSC-ABQ or HSC-Rio Rancho upon acceptance.
Can I apply for multiple BSN program options?
Yes, we recommend students apply to multiple BSN program options to give yourself the best chance to get into a program.
I’m not 18 years old yet, can I still apply?
Yes, you can still apply. Most of the time, students under 18 will need parent permission/consent before they will be cleared to complete a clinical rotation. However, some clinical sites may limit experiences due to liability.
Yes, scholarship and grant dollars are available.
The majority of our students receive some form of financial aid: scholarships, grants, loans, work study or teaching assistant positions.
We awarded over $825,000 in scholarships during the 2022-2023 academic year. Individual scholarship amounts range from $200–$5,000 annually.
Pre-Licensure BSN
Ready to Start Your Career in Nursing?
505-272-4721
HSC-CON-Admissions@salud.unm.edu
